20 Questions: Loretta Minghella

What is your favourite time of year?
May time. The hawthorn blossom is glorious, we celebrate the birthdays of my two children Olivia and Toby, and of course it’s Christian Aid Week time too!

Where would you like your mortal remains to go?
That’s a hard one, but probably next to my mum’s in the Isle of Wight.

When did you last pray?
This morning, for wisdom and inspiration to emerge from the Bond conference − the big gathering of the UK’s international NGOs, who are coping with increasing demands across the world and many pressures here at home.

What was your favourite school subject?
English literature. I could happily have studied it all day long.

Which Old Testament character would you most like to meet?
Isaiah – such a visionary, so radical. I love chapter 58 in particular.

What is your Karaoke choice?
You play it, I̕ll sing it. Much too loudly.

What is in your pockets?
Holes.

Who was your childhood hero?
Sister Jacinta, my first teacher. She was incredibly serene and gracious.

What is your favourite bit of the Bible?
The run of parables in Luke about the lost sheep, lost coins and the prodigal son. God loves every one of us unconditionally and calls every one of us into a relationship with him, will forgive us anything. The bit where the father starts running towards the son is awesome.

What is your least favourite bit of the Bible?
When the disciples fall asleep in the garden. Reminds me of too many times when I have not been up to the task.

What would be your one question to God?
What do you want me to do right now?

What does church mean to you?
Witness, solidarity, challenge, joy.

What makes a good day?
Must involve family, church (preferably my home church of St Barnabas, Dulwich), singing, a chance to make someone’s life a bit better and a great cup of coffee.